Kings' captain fit for Euro trip

INJURY UPDATE: Kings captain Michael Willemse will be available for their Europe trip after a minor injury scare.

The skipper suffered a minor quad contusion against the Cheetahs on Saturday and is fit for duty, confirmed the team doctor Clement Plaatjies.

Willemse returned to action after last weekend after he recovered from a long-term groin injury.

The news does bring a silver lining to a side who has been struggling throughout the Pro14 season.

Aside from Willemse's news, Dries Van Schalkwyk (broken nose) and Martin Du Toit (stiff lower back) are likely to be available for the trip that includes fixtures against Ulster, Ospreys and Leinster.

Players who are unlikely to make the trip for their match against Ulster on February 9, is flyhalf Oliver Zono.

The flyhalf is one of the casualties after their back-to-back defeats to the Cheetahs.

Zono injured his knee two weeks ago and will undergo an MRI scan to determine the full extent of the injury.

"He’ll be going for a scope later this week and we’ll only have more details on his condition once that’s done, "said Plaatjies.

Fullback Ntabeni Dukisa who left the field during Saturday's 24-45 defeat to Cheetahs with what appeared to be a muscle tear. However, he still required further examination but will not to be available for the tour overseas.

The same for scrumhalf Rudi Van Rooyen who will be out of action for at least two to three weeks due to an ankle injury.

In terms of long-term absentees, Justin Forwood and CJ Velleman both are recovering well, but will only be available for the fixture against Italian side Benetton in Port Elizabeth.

"Both are on track with their recovery and we hope to have them back for the home match against Benetton once we return from Europe.

"Wing Sibu Sithole is also recovering well and although he makes a return to training this week, he needs to build up strength in his leg and we don’t anticipate him featuring for the Kings again this campaign,"